Los Angeles

Chef Ryan Rondeno is an acclaimed celebrity private chef, author, and entrepreneur best known for pioneering "Creole-Cali" fusion cuisine, which seamlessly blends the bold, soulful flavors of his native Louisiana with the fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients of California. Operating out of Los Angeles, he is the executive chef and owner of Rondeno Culinary Designs, a premier luxury catering, experience hosting, and meal preparation service. Over his career, he has built a highly sought-after reputation cooking for A-list Hollywood celebrities, including Will Smith, Ashton Kutcher, Ben Affleck, Lizzo, Stevie Wonder, and Mike Tyson.Culinary Philosophy & BackgroundOriginally from Metairie, Louisiana, Rondeno's passion for cooking was initially nurtured by his family. He formalised his culinary training at the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute and went on to sharpen his skills at legendary New Orleans establishments, including Commander's Palace and La Petite Grocery, as well as restaurants in Atlanta and New York. After relocating to California following Hurricane Katrina, he adapted his deep-rooted Southern traditions to fit the health-conscious, farm-to-table ethos of the West Coast.Rather than limiting his menus to standard New Orleans staples like jambalaya and étouffée, Rondeno reimagines classic Southern comfort into elegant, modern culinary experiences. His repertoire crosses French, Italian, Southern, and Cajun-Creole styles, resulting in signature upscale dishes such as Lobster Cappuccino, Crawfish Enchiladas, Blue Crab Beignets, and Duck Confit with Whipped Ricotta and Picked Peaches.Major Projects & MediaCookbooks: He is the author of the widely praised cookbook, My Creole-Cali Kitchen: Louisiana Roots with California Flavors (published by Agate Surrey), which features over 100 accessible fusion recipes for home cooks.